KPBSD District Stories – Page 3 – KPBSD Communications Field Notes

2019 Mind aMazes Problem Solving Competition

Mind aMazes!

The 2019 Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Mind aMazes was musical! In a new location at Skyview Middle School, 47 teams representing 15 KPBSD schools on the Kenai Peninsula competed in the “Music Mechanisms” problem solving competition, and a spontaneous problem that included making shoes, running, and jumping jacks!
The KPBSD gifted education KPBSD Quest program coordinates an annual engineering and problem solving challenge called Mind A-Mazes. This challenge brings teams of students from around the peninsula to a district meet in October where students share constructed devices with judges and attempt to earn points for a set of predetermined tasks.

“Mind aMazes is an incredible event that highlights the creativity and team building skills of students from around the district,” said Clayton Holland, Director of Student Services. “For many students, this event is one of the highlights of the school year and offers a great opportunity to work together as teams to solve challenging problems. The real life learning and collaboration that takes place for students during and in preparation of Mind A-Mazes is amazing and also highlights the great work of our teachers.”

The Mind aMazes challenge focuses on teamwork, communication, and problem solving—key aspects of the project. Students work on sharing their ideas with others, listening to others, trouble-shooting problems that arise, invest hours to test and modify, striving for consistency, and having fun throughout the process! This year’s challenge was fun for the teams, and the October 12, 2019, event at Skyview Middle School turned into a great delight for everyone who participated and rallied in the stands. A big thank you to all the Quest teachers, parents, volunteers, judges, and students who helped make this year’s “Mind aMazes” happen!
The award winners for this year’s “Mind A-Mazes” include:
Junior Division:

Judges Choice – Nikiski North Star Elementary “Salty Squids”
Spontaneous 1st – K-Beach Elementary “Chubby Chickens”
3rd place Overall – Seward Middle School “Half & Half”
2nd place Overall – Kenai Middle School “VSCO Peppa”
1st place Long-Term & Overall – Seward Elementary “Dragonfly Girls”

Intermediate Division:

Judges Choice – Seward Middle School “Ghostbusters”
Spontaneous 1st – Nikiski Middle School “Master Procrastinators”
3rd place Overall – Nikiski Middle School “Divide and Conquer”
2nd place Overall – Nikiski Middle School “Master Procrastinators”
1st place Long-Term & Overall – Seward Middle School “The Wood People”

Thank you to Brian Bailey, Mind aMazes organizer, everyone who assisted, and the fantastic teams!
Link: Mind aMazes Blog
Mind aMazes photo album on @KPBSD Facebook

2019 Mind a-Mazes problem solving competition

A KPBSD problem solving competition sponsored by Quest with a 2019 theme of Music Mechanisms
17 @KPBSD schools. 47 teams.
Long-Term Problem: Using teamwork, creative thinking, and problem solving, teams will design and construct a chain reaction device that will play a musical instrument.
Plus, Spontaneous Problem competition the day of!
Mind aMazes blog: http://mindamazes.blogs.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/
Location: Skyview Middle School, 46188 Sterling Highway, Soldotna, Alaska 99669
Schedule
9:00 – 10:30 AM: Judge’s training, (judges only, meet in Library)
10:30 AM: Registration volunteers report to school foyer
11:00 – 11:30 AM: Junior Division (grades 4-6) team check in at registration tables – set up continues until 12:00.
11:30 – 12:00 noon: Intermediate/Senior Division (grades 7-12) team check in at registration tables – set-up continues until 12:15 PM.
12:15 PM: Proceed to bleachers in big gym for welcome and announcements. All students are expected to be in the big gym at all times after 12:15. Students found in other areas without adult supervision may be disqualified.
12:30: Junior Teams begin Long Term Competition
1:30 PM*: Intermediate/Senior competition
2:30 PM*: Spontaneous Problem for all divisions
3:00 PM*: Awards Ceremony
*Competition times may vary depending on number of entrants.
event on Facebook to share: https://www.facebook.com/events/971401006531864/
www.KPBSD.org

The Honorable Representative Paul Seaton awarded Golden Apple

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
The Honorable Paul Seaton, Alaska House of Representatives
Golden Apple Award | September 9, 2019

Golden Apple nominator Sean Dusek said, “It is with great pleasure that I nominate Paul Seaton for a Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Golden Apple Award for his tireless support of public education in Alaska.” The Honorable Paul Seaton, Alaska House of Representatives, is a long-time Kenai Peninsula Borough resident, a successful businessperson, and public servant. He served as a leader in the Homer community before serving as a State Representative from 2003-2018. His time in the State House of Representatives culminated as the House Finance Co-Chair where he led Alaska in its strong support of public education during a critical time in the history of this state.
Representative Seaton took great risk to do what was right and serve all Alaskans, especially those who could not necessarily speak for themselves—our children. Former Superintendent of Schools Dusek said, “He protected public education throughout his legislative career and consistently expected better results, innovative practices, and a high return on investment. By championing adequate funding with high expectations, our district worked hard to deliver, and I believe he is quite proud of our results, current students, and graduates. With his leadership, personal technology has engaged students from Chapman to Nanwalek. Data shows this engagement led to higher student achievement as well as increased attendance.”
Representative Seaton made a tremendous difference in the lives of the students in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District. He championed a healthy life style—especially with Vitamin D, a safe and supportive school environment, an engaging and innovative instructional environment, and a fully funded public school system. This has made the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District one of the best districts in Alaska and we thank him for all he has done and hope he continues to be actively engaged with our schools.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education is proud to recognize the Honorable Paul Seaton, Alaska House of Representatives, for his dedication to the students of the school district, past, present, and future.

October Board of Education meeting and worksessions

School Board Public Involvement Opportunities

Monday, October 7, 2019
Borough Administration Building
148 N. Binkley St., Soldotna, AK 99669
Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers
Committee Meetings – Redoubt Conference Room
12:30 p.m. Policy Review Committee
12:45 p.m. Information Committee
1:45 p.m. Charter School Advisory Committee
Work Sessions – Assembly Chambers
2:45 p.m. 2020 State and Federal Legislative Priorities and 2019 AASB Resolutions
3:30 p.m. Threat Assessment Update
4:00 p.m. Social Studies Curriculum
4:30 p.m. Board Discussion
AASB Annual Conference
Board Health Care
6:00 p.m. Monthly Board Meeting*
Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly Chambers in Soldotna
Streamed live: http://bit.ly/KPBSDschoolboard
Online documents: http://bit.ly/BoardDocsKPBSD
Meeting Schedule: Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Quarterly Work Session
Donald E. Gilman River Center
9:30 a.m. FY19, FY20 and FY 21 Budget Process
10:30 a.m. Strategic Plan Update
11:00 a.m. Project GRAD
11:30 a.m. Community Partners Lunch

9/16/19: KPBSD Message to Parents and Guardians

Monday, September 16, 2019
KPBSD communications sent this message via email to all KPBSD parents and guardians via student contact information in PowerSchool.
Dear KPBSD parents and guardians,
Good evening, I know you are all waiting to learn if a Tentative Agreement has been reached, and if school will be in session on Tuesday. Tonight the school board began a special board meeting at 6:00 PM, and is still executive session. At 9:30 PM, the District team presented a Package Proposal to KPEA and KPESA bargaining teams and the Associations are currently reviewing it. It is likely bargaining will continue late into the evening, so at this time, plan for no school on Tuesday, September 17, 2019.
We will send you an update when further information is available.
This evening KPBSD posted resources for activities on our Facebook page, and community partners and members are adding additional offerings in the comments. This is your link:
KPBSD celebrates the sources of strength offered in community resources rising up to assist our families and youth.

Community Resources for parents and youth #ThankYou

KPBSD celebrates the sources of strength offered in our communities who are rising up to assist our families and youth. #ThankYou
*Kindly add resources you know about in the comments on @KPBSD Facebook. KPBSD is continuing to receive additional places and groups and will add to this post.
Community Resources
KPBSD posts fliers as a community service. Such postings do not constitute an endorsement of the content or viewpoints expressed therein.
Kenai Peninsula Food Bank
Will offer kid friendly lunches in the Fireweed Dining Room and extend hours, if necessary, and will offer dinners with the funds have available to provide evening meals: 1 hour serving time and simple meals. The Food Bank will also put together food packages that can be used for lunches at home–bread, peanut butter, etc. For more information please contact: 262-3111.
Kenai and Soldotna activities in support of parents and youth:
Orca Theater
Finding Nemo at Noon on Tuesday, $3 admission per person
Keep checking the Facebook page. Will be adjusting show times and movies depending on how the strike goes.
Jumpin’ Junction AK
$2 off bounce, golf or Virtual Reality for school aged kids, K-12. Normally closed on Mondays, but will be open on Mondays through the strike to offer an exercise and activity option for kids.
Kenai Little League Baseball:
Fall Ball will still proceed as planned as it is not connected with the school nor is it on school property.
River City Cheer & Gymnastics Day Camp staring 9/17 until classes resume. Full day 8-5 $75; 1/2 day 8-12:30 or 12:30 -5 $40. Member rates: Full day $65, 1/2 day $35. Limited space, register early. frontdesk@rivercity.net; 260-9990, For more information: www.rivercitycheer.net or visit us on FaceBook.
Sterling
Solid Rock Bible Camp
Solid Rock is planning Day Camps!
• When: Tuesday & Wednesday, September 17-18. 8:00-5:00 (extended hours available)
• Who: Munchkins (K-2 grade) and Juniors (3-6 grade).
• Cost: $30/day plus $5 each for extended hours. Second child discounts available.
• Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Snack, and lots of fun!
Like and follow our Facebook page for updates! Registration will open Monday, September 16, at noon. Go to our website to register. www.solidrockbiblecamp.com
The fine print:
• Because this is primarily offered to meet the needs of families affected by the KPBSD Teachers’ Strike, we ask that homeschool families and those unaffected by the strike not to register. You can ask to be put on the waiting list!
• If a bargain is reached before Tuesday, the day camp will be cancelled.
• Because of the uncertainty regarding the duration of the strike, kids with food allergies will need to bring their own meals.
• Children need to be able to use the bathroom unassisted.
• We will be outside, rain or shine so kids must bring everything on the gear list (found in the comments below and when you register).
• Is your child in Jr. High or High School and has worked at Solid Rock in the summer? Let us know if they can help!
Kenai/Soldotna/Sterling/Nikiski child care:
Kenai Fellowship:
A team of volunteers in place at Kenai Fellowship mile 8.5 Spur Hwy from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Tuesday through Friday with a mini VBS snacks lunch and safe place for parents in need. We can manage 30 kids and will be praying for an end to the strike. If there are parents in need of child care or interested helpers (must have background check verification from a church or other reputable organization on the peninsula), contact Deanna 953-2834.
Homer:
Paul Banks PTA organized a Pop-Up childcare K-2. Looking for volunteers to sign up: https://signup.com/…/invitation2/secure/2960306/false…
City of Homer Parks & Recreation Community Recreation will have extended hours activities at the SPARC for kids, 9 AM – 1 PM.
Homer Public Library is adding extra programs and continuing their summertime bagged food program with the Homer Food Pantry
The Kevin Bell Arenda is adding extra hours for open skate
Check www.KBayAHA.com for more info on these and other options in the Southern Kenai Peninsula area
Nikiski:
The Compass Coffeehouse
During the upcoming school closure, The Compass Coffeehouse and The Compass Drop-In will be open as usual:
Sunday: Closed
Monday-Friday: Coffeehouse 6:30am-1:30 pm; Drop-In 2:30-6:00 pm.
Saturday: Coffeehouse 9:00 am to 3:00 p.m; Drop-In closed
Nikiski Nazarene Church:
In response to the incredible need for families to provide solutions for children during school closures, Nikiski Church of the Nazarene is offering a Day Camp (VBS-style) from 8:30am-4:00pm starting Tuesday.
Nikiski Church of the Nazarene is planning Day Camp
(Vacation Bible School-style)
• When: Starting Tuesday, September 17-18. 8:30-4:00 (extended hours unavaialble)
• Who: K-5th Grade
• Cost: Free
• Includes: All activities, crafts, and snacks
• EXCLUDES: Lunch. Please provide a sack lunch for your child that is CLEARLY marked with their name. A freezer, refrigerator, & microwave will be available with adult assistance. Please ensure the lunch is PEANUT-FREE as we are not able to make special accommodations for allergies.
See our Facebook page for updates! Registration will open Monday, September 17, at 6:00pm at www.nikiski.church.
The fine print:
• Because this is primarily offered to meet the needs of families affected by the closure of schools, we ask that homeschool families and those unaffected by the strike not to register. You can ask to be put on the waiting list!
• If a bargain is reached before Tuesday, the day camp will be cancelled.
• Because of the uncertainty regarding the duration of the strike, kids with food allergies will need to bring their own snacks & meals.
• Children need to be able to use the bathroom unassisted.
• We will be outside, rain or shine so kids must bring everything on the gear list.
Space is extremely limited.
We are only able to accommodate 30 children for Tuesday, September 17, 2019. This number may be updated on additional days depending on background checked/ abuse trained volunteers.
Only those who have successfully completed the online registration are secured a spot.
Please do not attempt to DROP-IN if no online regisytration spots are available.
If you do not plan to participate after registering, please contact us ASAP to allow space for another child.
No shows directly impact another family’s ability to participate.

9/15/19: KPBSD message to parents about emergency school closure

Sunday, September 15, 2019
KPBSD communications sent this message via emnail to all KPBSD parents and guardians via student contact information in PowerSchool.
Dear KPBSD parents and guardians,
We hear your concerns and care for all of our schools and communities. It’s Sunday evening, and all KPBSD schools will open Monday, September 16, 2019, on a normal schedule.
The school district team worked throughout the weekend, and will continue to work with KPEA and KPESA to reach a Tentative Agreement that would prevent or end this strike. Monday evening the Board of Education will meet in executive session to discuss employee contract negotiations.
We have received questions about how you will learn if the strike will happen, or how schools will be reopened during a work stoppage.
Please prepare for a work stoppage and emergency school closure slated to begin Tuesday, September 17, 2019. A strike will continue until a Tentative Agreement is reached between the school district and the KPEA and KPESA associations. When a Tentative Agreement is reached, we will communicate with everyone through all KPBSD platforms about the opening of schools. On Monday:

Make sure that your child takes home any personal belongings he or she may want, and that you pick up any medications from the school nurse.
If you have updates to your contact information in PowerSchool, talk to your school secretary, and make sure to opt-in to receive text messages from KPBSD. Simply text “Yes” or “Y” to 67587 to receive text messages to your PowerSchool mobile contact.

Monday may be challenging for you and your family with the unknown about school being in session on Tuesday or in coming days. We will continue to provide you with daily updates every evening, and as soon as a Tentative Agreement is reached.
Links:

Read: What will happen if there is a strike in the KPBSD?
Read: SMS text messaging FAQs through PowerSchool or employee contact
School District Collective Bargaining webpage

*The KPEA and KPESA association presidents sent an email to the superintendent of schools the evening of September 13, 2019 giving 72 hours’ notice about a work stoppage beginning September 17, 2019. Read the email letter.

9/14/19: KPBSD message to parents about Emergency Schools Closure

Saturday, September 14, 2019
KPBSD communications sent this message to all KPBSD parents and guardians via student contact information in PowerSchool.
Dear KPBSD parents and guardians,
I am writing to let you know that beginning Tuesday, September 17, 2019*, all 42 schools in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District will be closed until a Tentative Agreement is reached between the school district and the Kenai Peninsula Education Association (KPEA) and the Kenai Peninsula Education Support Association (KPESA).
I want you to know that the school district bargaining team will continue to work with KPEA and KPESA to reach a Tentative Agreement that would end this strike.
You will receive daily updates through your contact information in PowerSchool.
It is important for you to know these things now:
Read: What will happen if there is a strike in the KPBSD?
On Monday, September 16, 2019, all KPBSD schools will be open on a normal schedule.

Make sure that your child takes home any personal belongings, and that you pick up any medications from the school nurse.
Make any updates to your contact information in PowerSchool with the school secretary, and make sure to opt-in to receive text messages from KPBSD. Simply text “Yes” or “Y” to 67587 to receive text messages to your PowerSchool mobile contact.

Beginning Tuesday, September 17, 2019, all KPBSD schools will be closed during the strike and emergency schools closure.
The duration of the emergency schools closure is unknown, and you will receive daily updates and progress, starting with this message, until the work stoppage ends.
The school district is very aware that this is a challenging and difficult time for everyone, especially our families. The district values all our teachers and support staff, and is working intently to create a solution to bring these negotiations to a closure and return to our primary mission to educate your child.
Links:

Read: What will happen if there is a strike in the KPBSD?
Read: SMS text messaging FAQs through PowerSchool or employee contact
School District Collective Bargaining webpage

*The KPEA and KPESA association presidents sent an email to the superintendent of schools the evening of September 13, 2019 giving 72 hours’ notice about a work stoppage beginning September 17, 2019. Read the email letter.

PEAKS student results now in PowerSchool for parents

September 5, 2019
Dear KPBSD parents and guardians,
The 2019 Spring Performance Evaluation for Alaska’s School (PEAKS) student results is available for your review on September 6, 2019, in the PowerSchool Parent Portal.*

“PEAKS is one assessment used to help provide a picture of how our students are doing to meet state standards,” said Superintendent John O’Brien. “PEAKS is significantly more in line with national expectations and even though we do not receive district data on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), we believe our results on NAEP would mirror PEAKs results. We are proud of what our students accomplish with the education they receive in our schools and that they are ready for life, college, and career when they earn a KPBSD diploma.”

If you have any questions, kindly contact your child’s school. The State of Alaska PEAKS webpage offers additional information you may find helpful, and you can read the KPBSD letter to parents from the Director of Assessments for additional information from the school district.
*instructions to locate the report in PowerSchool
Sincerely,
Assessment Department, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
www.KPBSD.org
Opt-in to receive SMS messages from KPBSD, if you have a cellular phone number listed in your PowerSchool contact, Text Y or YES to 67587.
The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to empower all learners to positively shape their futures.

How federal funds benefit KPBSD in 2019-2020 and beyond

Understand how you can assist, and why it matters

“Federal funds provide critical resources for students and teachers, alike. Completion of the Student Programs application–even by families who don’t want free or reduced price meals–is important to the continuation of these federally funded programs. During this time of shrinking state financial resources, doing all we can to maximize our access to federal resources is even more important.” –Dr. Christine Ermold, Director of Professional Development and Federal Programs

In 1965, federal funds were established through the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) to ensure that all children have a fair and equal opportunity to education.
KPBSD has developed programs to support struggling learners all around the district, and various forms are included in school registration packets each year to help identify qualifying students and families.
Your voluntary participation to complete these forms–even if you do not think you qualify-could assist the entire school district. Visit your school office to complete the forms if you haven’t done so yet. In the 2019-2020 school year, $5.6 million* in federal funds will provide supports for some of the most vulnerable youth in our communities.
Read and download the FY20 Federal Allocations PDF to see amounts and number of students and staff in various categories.

*The annual federal tax dollars that KPBSD receives are based on identifying and documenting qualified students and families. Additional federal funds are allocated to Student Support Services (special education) and through the Carl Perkins grant, which supports career and technical education.

Title 1 purpose is to provide fair and equitable educational opportunities to students identified as economically disadvantaged. KPBSD’s targeted assistance provides support to identified pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, first, and second graders in those schools with more than 35% of enrolled students identified as economically disadvantaged. The ten Title I prekindergarten programs currently serve 217 students. Title I has also provided reading support to 350 kindergarten, first and second grade students in nineteen Title I schools.

Title 1C Migrant supports the needs of migratory students across the district. In order to be identified as migratory, students must have traveled away from home a minimum of seven nights and eight days due to economic necessity. KPBSD has 400 migrant students enrolled in the district.

McKinney Vento provides clothing, school supplies and transitional services for homeless youth so that they experience consistent, uninterrupted learning opportunities.

Title ID Delinquent/Neglected and Youth in Detention provide staffing, professional development, and academic activities to Marathon School, Kenai’s youth detention facility.

Title IIA Professional Development funds support the improvement of teacher and principal quality including training on curriculum resources, teacher collaboration opportunities, administrative effective instruction training, new teacher induction, and other professional development events.

Title IIIA English Learners provides teacher and tutor training in differentiation strategies to support identified EL students. KPBSD has 332 EL students representing 23 languages.

Title IVA Student Support and Academic Enrichment supports activities directed at well-rounded educational opportunities, safe and healthy students, and the effective use of technology.

Title VI Indian Education supports tutoring to Native youth in KPBSD middle and high schools. Last year, 68% of students receiving tutoring services through Title VI demonstrated academic improvement.

E-Rate funds are used to support telecommunication infrastructure within and between schools. These funds are based on a tiered system of the district’s economically disadvantaged eligibility rate.

To learn more about KPBSD federal programs, go to http://bit.ly/FederalProgramsKPBSD
Download the FY20 Federal Allocations PDF to see amounts and number of students and staff in various categories.
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